San Francisco

Days 1 and 2:

We have been so lucky to go on so many trips this year! This time we got to go to San Fran, which is a place neither Tyler or I have ever been. Tyler's parents took us and it was a trip to remember! On the way there we decided to stop in Tahoe and sleep there. Luckily we got there before it got dark so we could enjoy Tahoe a bit. My kids were so excited to be out of the car they were jumping all over the place. Sunday morning we got up and went to church and than we took a scenic route down to Oakland. There was a beautiful waterfall that we stopped to see and than we were off to see the Oakland Temple. It was stunning and was definitely worth the trip!

Day 3:

Today we went to the Armstrong Redwoods. The trees were huge and unbelievable! This was just the perfect hike to get some energy out after 2 long days of driving. Nick had a great time carrying Danny through the forest and Aspen loved running around. There were even some great trees to jump off of!

Day 4:

Alcatraz! This was by far my favorite part of our trip! The tour was incrediable. To hear actually stories from the prisoners and guards with background noises similar to what it sounded like was so real! I can't even imgaine living in such a tiny cell for so long. Especially since they could hear the sounds of people partying so close in San Fran. But I guess when you are a criminal you kind of deserve it, right. Danny took a great little nap during the tour and Aspen was so excited when they gave her her very own set of headphones!

After Alcatraz we tried to find the stop where we could get on our double decker bus tour. We spent about an hour looking at maps and trying to figure it out. While we were doing that my kids had a blast chasing birds. Danny was so determined to catch them. I think this was his favorite part of the trip!

Day 5:

We didn't find the bus stop until it was to late yesterday, so we came back today to ride the double decker bus through the whole city! The was the perfect way to see the city.

Than we ate lunch at Bubba Gumps. Wow was that delicious. We all got shrimp and all of us loved every bite of what we ate! Aspen ate quickly because we had promised her if she ate she could ride the carousel after. We also walked the shops at Pier 49 and saw the Sea Lions!

Than we headed to Stinson Beach. Poor Sarah got so car sick on the ride there, but she was a good sport. It was kind of late by the time we got there so we didn't change into our swimsuits, but that didn't stop us from having a great time!

Day 6:

Today was also one of favorite days! We went to the beach. It was a little windy but still who could complain about laying out in the sun playing at the beach. I was brave and even got in for a minute. Although I quickly got out because it was FREEZING! It was great to have a chill relaxing day and my kids enjoyed it as much as I did!

Day 7:

Today was also great! We got to bike the Golden Gate Bridge. Thankfully there were only a few hills because I am not in as great of shape as I would like. There were some parts that it was pretty windy, but overall it was a really enjoyable ride. I just think its cool that I can now say I have rode a bike across the golden gate bride. Really how many people can say that! We rode all the way into Sausillto and ate lunch there. After lunch Sarah and Tyler were brave and rode their bikes back up the steep hills, while the rest of us took the ferry! Aspen was so excited to go on another boat!

After the bike ride we went to check out Ghirardelli Square and got some cupcakes at Kara's Cupcakes. They were worth the $3.50 a cupcake and I don't really like cake so thats saying a lot! Danny got so excited eating it that everyone was watching and laughing. He also got very mad when there was no more left. He is my sweet tooth for sure!

And of course a trip to San Fran just wouldn't be complete without driving down Lombard street, it's got eight different switchbacks in a very short period of time. Than we headed over to Filbert street, which is the steepest street in the western hemisphere at 31.5% grade! Wow who needs roller coasters when you can go down streets like this!

Than it was time to leave San Fran! Look at this amazing picture Sarah took. Can you think of a better way to leave San Fran than seeing the lights from across the bridge.

Day 8:

Although we said goodbye to San Fran our trip was still not over. We actually stayed in Windsor which is about 1 hour north of the city. So on our last day Tyler, Nick, the kids and I went to the beach. Nick and Tyler really wanted to go surfing and I wouldn't miss that for anything! Plus the beach is probably my favorite places to be in the whole world. We lucked out because it was the warmest nicest day we had had the whole trip! Also we went to rent the surf boards the guy was nice and let us have a buggy board for free. So the boys got their surf on while the kids and I played in the sand. Tyler was nice enough to come in for a bit so I can try buggy boarding. The water at this beach was a little warmer and I enjoyed it so much! What a perfect way to end an awesome trip!

After the beach we rejoined Tyler's parents and Sarah and all went swimming. We actually went swimming quite a few days and the hot tub everyday, but these are the only pictures I have of it!

The last day we drove the whole 13 hours back in 1 day. With our new van Tyler and I took turns sleeping the back while the other one drove so it actually went really fast! The kids were so good and we only made a few stops. This trip will fill us with memories for a lifetime. We are so thankful to Tyler's parents for making sure this trip happened and I can't wait to go on another family trip. Aspen said her favorite parts were the boats, the bus and the beach! Tyler's favorite parts were biking the bridge and surfing. And my favorite parts were Alcatraz and the beach! We also all love spending so much time with family!